Parenting Support

It Takes a Village

It takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to raise parents. The hospital doesn’t give you an instruction manual when you leave with your new baby.  Often it takes parents some time to transition into the role of parenting. Psychoeducation sessions provide support to the parenting couple.

We know that depression or anxiety after delivery causes strain on relationships. In fact, two-thirds of couples report relationship dissatisfaction after a baby is born. When one partner is suffering, the other partner also suffers. It can be alarming and confusing for partners who are used to their other half being strong, capable, and confident. Most people don’t expect a new mother (or father/ partner) to be overcome with feelings of sadness after the birth of her new baby. But we know that this does happen. That is why it is so important to involve the partner in a mother’s treatment. 

With a family focus, we are in a better position to treat the mother, team up with the partner and protect the strength and unity of the couple. We invite partners to join therapy for couples’ psychoeducation sessions. Families come in many different shapes and sizes; regardless of marital status or gender, Nurture Therapy treats everyone equally and with respect. 

Couples Education & Support Sessions

Couples’ education and support can be helpful in the treatment process. These sessions are flexible to best meet your needs. Here are ways that couples education and support sessions can help: 

• Lack of (or perceived lack of) support is strongly connected with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Getting partners in the door early can be protective against depression and anxiety as it increases a mother’s support system and makes her feel less alone.

• Postpartum depression is hard on a relationship, the entire family needs support.

• Partners also suffer from postpartum depression. About 10% of fathers are also at risk for postpartum depression after a baby is born—an increased risk factor is maternal depression.

• Meeting together provides an opportunity for partners to ask questions about what is going on and voice concerns.

• Learn new skills for coping and build confidence in yourself. When we believe that we can handle a situation, we experience less stress and negative feelings when faced with a new challenge.

• Psychoeducation sessions provide information, education, and tools to the whole family.

Parenting Education and Support Groups in Chicago

In couples education and support groups, we are each other’s teachers. Sometimes it is helpful to meet and learn from other new parents who are in the same boat as you. Here are the benefits of couples’ education and support groups:

• Learn from others. In addition to learning skills from me, you can learn what is working (or not working) from other parents in a group setting.

• You will not feel as alone. Groups can help you realize that others are going through the same thing that you are. It normalizes the experience and makes you feel less isolated and less alone.

• You get to give and receive support. Sometimes helping someone else is the best way to help ourselves. When new parents feel like nothing is going right, it can be surprising and beneficial to offer advice and knowledge to someone else. It reminds you that there are still some things going well.

• Gain a safety net and maybe some new parent-friends. There is no need to hide behind our feelings. We are all here for the same reasons so we don’t have to pretend that everything is going perfectly when it most certainly is not. This setting is safe to talk about what is on our minds. Additionally, you can meet people who have new babies too. Maybe they become social friends because they understand why a 5 pm dinner reservation is important.

Why is couples’ education important?

After a baby is born, partners go through an adjustment period too. For some couples, a baby strengthens the relationship. A stable relationship helps new parents adapt to the competing demands of marriage and a new baby. But for other couples, a baby can strain a marriage. It is noted that the arrival of a new baby is associated with declines in happiness and marital satisfaction. Reportedly 67% of couples become unhappy with each other during the first three years of their baby’s life. Only 33% of couples remain content with one another. New parents are adjusting to more than just a new baby—they are also experiencing loss of sleep, loss of control and freedom, less disposable income, renegotiating household responsibilities and gender roles, and enjoying less alone time with one another. 

Given the importance of partner support and the inevitable increased conflict that many couples experience when transitioning to parenthood, it is surprising that there are limited groups that focus on perinatal mental health education and prevention.  

What if my partner won't come with me?

Don't worry; we get it. Therapy is not for everyone. That’s why Nurture Therapy practices with flexibility and believes in doing what works. Come on your own and we’ll go from there. 

Nurture Therapy can also coach you on ways to talk to your partner to get him in the office. The sooner that your partner is involved in the recovery process, the more you both will benefit. 

Parents as Partners 

For men and women, parenthood is a transformative event. No couple experiences parenthood in the same way. That is why it is important to support and appreciate one another. 

PRACTICAL THINGS PARTNERS CAN DO

• Help around the house.

• Set limits with friends and family.

• Go with her to doctor’s appointments and come prepared with questions.

• Educate yourself about PMADs and suggestion a couple's session.

• Allow her to get five hours of uninterrupted sleep by doing some late-night feedings.

• Just sit with her. No TV, no phones, no distractions to give her the space to just be.

HOW TO HELP A MOM WHO IS SUFFERING FROM POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY

• Reassure her that this is not her fault and that she is not alone. With help and support, she will get better.

• Encourage her to talk about her feelings. Remember, you do not have to fix, just listen without judgment.

• Make sure she is taking care of herself: eating balanced and nutritious meals, resting when she can, and taking breaks.

• Manage your expectations, just because she is home all day or on maternity leave don’t expect her to be a super-housewife.

• Be realistic about what time you will be home and make sure to be home at that time.

• Help her find professional support and treatment, especially if things get worse.

KEEP IN MIND

• You did not cause her illness and you can’t take it away. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders is a biochemical disorders, it is no one’s fault. No one ever asks to be depressed.

• She just needs you to listen. She probably feels alone and scared right now. Listening to what she is going through and being supportive can be very powerful.

• Take care of yourself too. Often partners can get depressed during or after a partner’s maternal depression. We need to keep you as the “healthy” partner healthy right now.

• Lower your expectations. Even postpartum women, who are not depressed, shouldn’t be expected to cook dinner or clean the house. Remind her that parenting your child and taking care of household responsibilities is your job too, not just hers.

• Let her rest. Often it is harder to deal with things when we have not gotten sleep. Protect her sleep by allowing her to get at least four to five hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Reference: Kleinman, K (2000). The postpartum husband: Practical solutions for living with postpartum depression.

Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Impacts Fathers Too

Maternal mental illness has a negative impact on partners, including a higher likelihood of personal mental illness. An estimated 10% of new dads experience paternal postpartum depression. One of the risk factors for fathers developing depression is to have a partner who experiences Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder. Additionally, there is a stigma for men suffering in early parenthood because we see fathers as stoic and self-sacrificing or disconnected from their emotions.  But according to research, men’s hormones, such as testosterone levels, can change during a partner’s pregnancy and after the birth of a new baby making fathers also vulnerable to depression and anxiety.

TIPS TO HELP SUPPORT DADS:

• Check-in with dad too. After a baby is born we tend to ask how the mother and baby are doing, but don’t forget about the dad. Ask dad how he is coping with the new baby and listen to what he has to say.

• Provide the space for fathers to acknowledge their feelings. A safe space can allow fathers to talk about their new responsibilities and fears. Just providing the space to talk can alleviate anxiety and stress.

• Allow fathers to take an active role in child care. Sometimes a mother’s own anxieties about the baby can get in the way of the father taking an active part in child care. Who cares if the diaper is on wrong? Let dad figure this out! He wants to help, so let him.

• Know the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Often we miss the signs of depression and anxiety in our loved ones and ourselves. Be aware of what is a normal adjustment to parenthood and what might be more serious signs of mental illness.

• Encourage dad to get help when needed. Reduce the stigma associated with mental health and mental health treatment by normalizing and encouraging fathers to get support. Seek out counseling or support from other new fathers. 

Are you or someone you know living with a disability and struggling to become pregnant, pregnancy, or parenthood; therapy may be the right support. Call or email to find out more.  

When do I need professional help?

If you are struggling with parenting or with your partner, then therapy might be a good option for you. We understand it can be uncomfortable to start therapy or anything new. However, if you are feeling stuck in your sadness, anxiety, grief, anger, or guilt therapy can help. Ask yourself these questions:

• Have you been consumed with fear, worry, or anxiety?

• Are your emotional experiences interfering with your ability to work, take care of yourself or your other children, or engage in basic self-care?

• Is your relationship suffering?

• Do you have any intent to act on suicidal thoughts or do you plan to harm yourself?

• Are you engaging in any other self-destructive acts?

How can therapy help me?

Therapy provides the space to help you get through your sadness and other intense feelings. As a therapist, we will guide you through this time in a way that feels safe and effective.

• Helping you to enjoy parenting faster

• Regaining control of your emotions with your partner

• Preparing you and your partner for pregnancy and parenthood

• Encouraging communication with your partner to support each

• Ensuring that your relationship survives by understanding and unification

• Feeling like yourself again and recognizing your relationship

• Promoting hope and confidence